Licensed Psychologist
Jorge Alcantar Heredia, Psy.D.
who we help
Therapy for People Facing Cancer and Medical Illness in New York City
A cancer diagnosis is life changing and enormously stressful. Therapy gives you support for your mental health alongside your medical treatment, whether you are facing cancer or another medical illness.
We understand
What a diagnosis can bring
A diagnosis often starts as a shock, and disbelief, denial, and numbness are common reactions. Anxiety about an uncertain future, the strain of treatment, and the fear of death can bring deep sadness, guilt, and worry for family and friends, and even resentment toward people who are not carrying a diagnosis.
These feelings are normal and part of the human experience, and it is okay to feel overwhelmed. If anything, it shows how much mental health support can matter during this time.
Some of our clinicians also work with chronic and medical illness more broadly.
Depression is treatable
Cancer patients often develop clinical depression, and certain warning signs are key to monitor: loss of interest, changes in appetite or sleep habits, and prolonged sadness are a few of them. It is neither fair nor reasonable to put pressure on yourself to simply feel better. Depression is a treatable disease, and seeking help is a brave and important first step.
It is important to consider and discuss psychological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as medical interventions such as antidepressants or other medications. You can read more in our article on coping with a cancer diagnosis.
How we work
Finding the right fit is the first step toward support that lasts. Behr Psychology is a collective of mental health professionals with diverse experiences, approaches, and abilities, and we match you with a clinician who suits what you are facing.
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Clinicians who support people with cancer and medical illness
See full bio
Licensed Therapist
Jessica Boerma, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
Hansee Karamchandani, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
Kailey McGarvey, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
Isaac Moss, LMSW
Psychologist, Post-Doctoral Fellow
Victoria Phoenix, Psy.D.
Licensed Therapist
Miriam Weiss, LMSW
How we work
What to expect when you start
Your first session is more formal than other sessions. Your therapist will gently guide you with questions to get a better sense of your life history, experiences, and goals.
Sessions are online for clients in New York and, with clinicians licensed there, in New Jersey. Some of the clinicians listed here also see clients in person at our Upper West Side office in New York City, and each profile shows where that clinician sees clients and where they are licensed. We can go over insurance and fees before you start.
questions and answers
Common questions
Yes. Shock, disbelief, and numbness are common, and so are anxiety, sadness, and guilt. These feelings are normal and part of the human experience, and they are a reason to prioritize mental health support during this time.
Yes. Our article on coping with a cancer diagnosis says it is vital to seek psychological support alongside your medical treatments.
Yes. A diagnosis affects not only the person facing it but the entire family, and caregivers often put their own needs aside. We offer therapy for caregivers, and our article on caregiver mental health describes the stress and burnout that can come with caring for someone with cancer.
Yes. We offer online sessions for clients in New York and, with clinicians licensed there, in New Jersey, which can make care easier to keep up with around health or mobility limits. Some of the clinicians listed here also see clients in person at our Upper West Side office.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US), free and confidential, 24/7.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
Ready to begin
Get started
Look through our therapists to find a match, or request an appointment to get going.
